New smoker - what type to get???

[joelyrock1]

I don't have an LSG or any of the pits mentioned in this thread but can attest to LSG's owner's responsiveness and customer service levels via email at the very least. I too am interested in similar types of pits as you and had some questions on their pits which Chris Goodlander (owner) answered quickly and completely, even going back and forth with me a few times. Definitely gave me a great impression of his company and when the time (aka money) is right, I'll be back in touch with him.

That being said, the gentleman from Shirley is active on these boards and seems to be great to do business with as well and has a growing legion of fans for sure. There is an obvious difference between Shirley and LSG (as far as I can tell) with regards to traditional vs. reverse flow, that is something you need to take a look and decide what you'd be happiest with. You have a ton of resources in TX which I am jealous of, namely a lot of pit mfg's close by (I know a TX mile is much longer than a CT mile ) that you can go and check out for yourself. Good luck in your search, I don't think there is a wrong decision in this at all!!!

 

[TexasRT]

Thank you all for the info. I have been looking at a unit from Lone Star Grillz in Willis TX. Does anyone have any info or experience with their smokers?

Lance, I have a LSG 24" X 48" offset and it is awesome. The build quality is second to none and the pit performs flawlessly. It's easy to control temps and with the tuning plates I can dial my in to within 5 degrees from end to end. Chris is also excellent to work with and will make sure you get what you want.

I went with the 1/2" fb on mine, with the gas log lighter. I also had them do a single door on the cook chamber (no counter weight needed) with two full length cook racks versus the double door with four racks. I also added the charcoal basket and fold down front shelf. It will come with tuning plates standard.


Having LSG in your backyard is a bonus and you can go by and see them in person. Hope this helps... :thumb:

 

[aks801]

I would ditto what TexasRT just said. Having a great builder closeby is a big plus: you can get a better idea on exactly what you want by seeing firsthand and talking them up, plus you'll save on shipping costs. Lonestar Grillz is a natural for you to check out. Plus Klose and Gator Pits in Houston are both outstanding.

Good luck!

 

[Lance R]

Texas RT, I am looking at the 24"X 36 or 40" so it won't be too different than your model. I have a question, how long of a cook can you get with the charcoal basket? One thing that has concerned me about a "stick burner" is having to tend the fire every hour or so. I want the ability to cook like that but I would also like something that will cook 4 or so hours without having to add fuel. Have you had any luck with longer cooks with the charcoal on your pit? AND thank you for your reply I like they way they look but it is nice to get a review from someone that actually owns one.

 

[Lance R]

Thank you ssv3, that is a great looking smoker. I am new to this (this type of smoking) and I just don't want to have to buy multiple units. I am not sure I would use the vertical much but I see that LSGz can add it to the unit and I would rather have it and not need it than decide later I need it and have to purchase another unit.

 

[oldbill]

Absofarkinglutely!! Based on your opening post I think you should look into the Lone Star vertical offset. I had the Lone Star offset pipe smoker with the vertical opposite the firebox in mind when I decided to upgrade to a nice smoker. After much thought and research I ended up with the 24x30 vertical offset with the oven. Small footprint, ton of space and vertical cooking were perfect for me in my backyard. The craftsmanship on it is second to none and customer service is the icing. I'm very happy with it and so are a lot of the brethren on here who have these units. Check it and call or email Chris and Amber with all your questions. Absolutely no pressure from them and they treat you great whether you'll be a customer or not.

And you're practically next to them and can visit them as well.

Here's a pic of mine below. Also a detailed thread if you have anymore questions on it.

http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=199899

Take a look at Lone Star Grillz' offset vertical smoker. Sounds like just what you're looking for.
http://www.lonestargrillz.com/Vertical-Smokers.html

YES!!! ^^^^^^ LSG will build you a heck of a smoker for a heck of a price,... here's mine!:becky:

 

[pjtexas1]

I want the ability to cook like that but I would also like something that will cook 4 or so hours without having to add fuel.

I don't have an LSG so I may be totally wrong... Most will tell you that you are wanting a stick burner to act like a vertical charcoal cooker. It may work but they are not designed for charcoal. I just don't want you to buy an offset thinking it will do something it was not designed to do.

 

[darkoozy]

Texas RT, I am looking at the 24"X 36 or 40" so it won't be too different than your model. I have a question, how long of a cook can you get with the charcoal basket? One thing that has concerned me about a "stick burner" is having to tend the fire every hour or so. I want the ability to cook like that but I would also like something that will cook 4 or so hours without having to add fuel. Have you had any luck with longer cooks with the charcoal on your pit? AND thank you for your reply I like they way they look but it is nice to get a review from someone that actually owns one.

If you are concerned with fire management, Lone Star Grillz has insulated vertical cabinet smokers, that are amazing. You should consider this option if you are looking for a "set it and forget it" type smoker.

Check out this thread:

http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=185024&highlight=grillz

 

[Throwchunks]

Buy a Stump's, you can't wrong.

 

[TexasRT]

Texas RT, I am looking at the 24"X 36 or 40" so it won't be too different than your model. I have a question, how long of a cook can you get with the charcoal basket? One thing that has concerned me about a "stick burner" is having to tend the fire every hour or so. I want the ability to cook like that but I would also like something that will cook 4 or so hours without having to add fuel. Have you had any luck with longer cooks with the charcoal on your pit? AND thank you for your reply I like they way they look but it is nice to get a review from someone that actually owns one.

Lance, I've used the chacoal basket a couple of times, running the pit at 250 and a full basket it's averaged 6- 8 hrs. Best has been close to 12 once. That's with a mix of wood chunks and charcoal. Keep in mind weather conditions, wind and load on the pit will effect the times also. I like tending the fire so I don't use the basket much. Hope this helps

 

[x1jett]

I just ordered a 24x48 offset smoker from Chris at LSG this morning. I went with the insulated firebox, 12" stainless shelf, charcoal rack insert, single door with sliding racks, 8" castors, and the gas starter. For my backyard needs, LSG was the best option. They are also just down the road from my home in North Texas.
Chris was great to work with, he suffered patiently through all of my questions. LSG has a great reputation for quality customer service.
I'll let you know how the smoker works in 10-12 weeks.

 

[TexasRT]

I don't have an LSG so I may be totally wrong... Most will tell you that you are wanting a stick burner to act like a vertical charcoal cooker. It may work but they are not designed for charcoal. I just don't want you to buy an offset thinking it will do something it was not designed to do.

PJTexas1, you are correct in the fact that they are not set and forget typically and I was by no means trying to imply that to be the case. However it is possible to use a charcaol basket and the minion method in an offset and get a several hour cook in without having to babysit it. My understanding was that Lance was asking about doing shorter cooks with the basket, which is possible so that is all I was referencing.

EDIT: Lance with straght wood you will be tendeing the fire about hourly, as with any stick-burner.

 

[THoey1963]

If I ever decide to upgrade from my WSM and go big, it will either be a Shirley or an LSG. Can't beat their quality and customer service.

 

[TexasRT]

If I ever decide to upgrade from my WSM and go big, it will either be a Shirley or an LSG. Can't beat their quality and customer service.

THoey1963. I have never dealt with SF myself but I have seen enough post on here to know you are correct, they both seem to be outstanding companies with great customer service. More places should follow both of their leads...

 

[Lance R]

PJTexas1, you are correct in the fact that they are not set and forget typically and I was by no means trying to imply that to be the case. However it is possible to use a charcaol basket and the minion method in an offset and get a several hour cook in without having to babysit it. My understanding was that Lance was asking about doing shorter cooks with the basket, which is possible so that is all I was referencing.

EDIT: Lance with straght wood you will be tendeing the fire about hourly, as with any stick-burner.

PJTexas 1 and TexasRT, thank you both. You both made good points and I was asking about a longer cook with charcoal but I also want the ability to use wood when I want. Sounds like I need to buy both types lol.

 

[chashint]

In October I was shopping for a smoker and took a little vacation to drive down to Houston and visit Lone Star Grillz, Pits by JJ, Klose, and Gator Pits.
Every one of these builders was a joy to visit, the pits were all top notch, the pits were all different.
I initially thought I wanted a side firebox stick burner and I knew I wanted to cook on it using the charcoal basket.
You know none of the builders tried to sell me a smoker, all of them took a considerable amount of time talking to me about their products and how to cook on it and talked to me about how I really wanted to cook.
None of them recommended cooking on the offset with the charcoal basket, they are called stick burners for a reason.

If you can visit the pit builders around Houston I highly recommend doing so.
Every one of them are very nice, no pressure to buy it now, educational on using their cookers.
Having said all the owners are nice people, I must say Chris and Amber at Lone Star are especially nice.

In the end I bought a WSM, it fits my space and was $2k less than a insulated cabinet smoker.
No it's not the same, but as has been mentioned make a list of needs and wants and compromise to something you can be happy with.

 

[SmittyJonz]

I'd get 2 Kinds. A Humphreys Battle Box AND a Old Country Pecos or Wrangler from Academy. Or Even better a Humphreys Pint and a Muscrat BackYard......., :heh:

 

[TexasRT]

In October I was shopping for a smoker and took a little vacation to drive down to Houston and visit Lone Star Grillz, Pits by JJ, Klose, and Gator Pits.
Every one of these builders was a joy to visit, the pits were all top notch, the pits were all different.
I initially thought I wanted a side firebox stick burner and I knew I wanted to cook on it using the charcoal basket.
You know none of the builders tried to sell me a smoker, all of them took a considerable amount of time talking to me about their products and how to cook on it and talked to me about how I really wanted to cook.
None of them recommended cooking on the offset with the charcoal basket, they are called stick burners for a reason.

If you can visit the pit builders around Houston I highly recommend doing so.
Every one of them are very nice, no pressure to buy it now, educational on using their cookers.
Having said all the owners are nice people, I must say Chris and Amber at Lone Star are especially nice.

In the end I bought a WSM, it fits my space and was $2k less than a insulated cabinet smoker.
No it's not the same, but as has been mentioned make a list of needs and wants and compromise to something you can be happy with.

They must just sell the optional baskets to use as conversation pieces.
I probably need to throw mine away.

 

[joemat]

If I were buying a new cooker right now I would be looking at Deep South Smokers for a gravity fed or Humphrey's for a water cooker.

 

[16Adams]

Barrels, boxes, kamado's, kegs, steel, ceramic, electric, pellets, kettles, etc etc I've seen five star results from all of these here on this forum.

My advice which is worth a lot less than the traditional 2cents, get at least one of the above BUT always have a stick burner in your line up, horizontal or vertical doesn't matter as long as its something that is not set and forget. Because On those days you have the time-- it is fun to tend the flame and be actively involved.